Birmingham Mayor speaks at Black History Program in Montgomery

Montgomery, AL (Feb. 12, 2018)- First Congregational Christian Church, UCC Laymen’s Fellowship hosted its annual Black History Program yesterday afternoon. Every seat in the church was filled.

The theme was “Bridging the Gap- Politics in the New Millennium”. Antonio Hamilton, President of the Laymen’s Fellowship gave the welcome and occasion. He shared how the face of politics has changed over the years. “Today we are in a new era of political change. Those in office must know how to connect and understand the needs of the people they serve.”

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin was the guest speaker. He speech focused on waiting on the right time to make a difference. He started with sharing his story about campaigning for mayor. He said that he was constantly told that he should wait because it wasn’t his time. “Imagine if Dr. King, Rosa Parks, or President Obama had waited to take a stand for civil rights because it wasn’t their time.” Woodfin expressed that he had a vision for something that was greater than him and that he did not allow the naysayers to stop him.

“In Alabama we make history. Our time is now, and the great State of Alabama needs us” Woodfin said in his closing. “It’s our time to lead, our time to build, and our time to change our communities.”

There was a special presentation to the Alabama Black Mayors present. Elected officials and political candidates were also acknowledged. Carver High School Choir serenaded the crowd with spirituals and other musical selections.

All the funds collected at the program will be invested back into the community to be a service to the youth.

First Congregational Church, UCC is under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Wendy Coleman.